December 7, 2010 10:11 am

Khleo Thomas, a singer, rapper and actor known for his role as Zero in the 2003 movie “HOLES,” will be in the Tacoma area today to talk about his entertainment career and to discuss the importance of participation in the Census.

PLU officials believe young people “gravitate toward actors, rappers, etc.,” so bringing Thomas to town will add oomph to the university’s project to raise awareness of Census, said associate director of admission Melanie Cunningham.

“Thomas has truly made a name for himself in the film and music business,” she added, offering up this clip of his work:

The first two events are open to the public; space is limited at the third. Here’s the schedule:

• 1 to 1:45 p.m.: Meet and greet with Thomas in the University Center 201 at PLU. Light refreshments will be served.

Thomas will talk about the importance of being counted in the 2010 Census, Cunningham said. Young people of color and poverty are among what the Census calls “hard to count” populations.

It’s important to for individuals in households to fill out Census forms and return them because the federal government apportions some $400 billion a year according to population numbers and other factors.

The money goes to build hospitals, roads and other community projects.

PLU’s Census awareness project aims to impress the importance of the Census on young people so they’ll pass the message to parents or guardians, Cunningham said.

During the meeting, there will be a showing of a video called “Count Me In,” starring rapper Roderic of Tacoma and a group of Keithly Middle School eighth-graders, among others.

Space is limited to this event, so anyone interested in attending should call Cunningham at 253-682-9264

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